Pre-Christmas in Halifax

Well, it's become a tradition for us to celebrate Christmas a little early each year with Darrin's folk before they head to California. This year we went over to Halifax and we had such a great time. Here are some pictures of our pre-christmas gift trade.

The boys could not wait to open their presents.

Grandma and Grandpa got the boys a WII game, with several fun games including fishing and hockey. We tried them all out and we all had fun!!

We got Gail and Gail/ Grandma and Grandpa a digital picture frame.Darrin and I got a food processors- a kit with a large one and a small one.
I've already tried it out and I love it!

This Year's Christmas Wreath.

There is an interesting wreath competition that takes place in Ch' town each Christmas at the Confederation Centre. Last year I entered a wreath made out of grape vines- you know, the peices that's left after you eat the grapes...and I won second prize. It took me 2 years to save enough grape vines. It took me 2 years to save enough stuff to make this year's entry too, which won 1st prize. If you look closely, you'll see what it's made of. Hint: It's called Box of Chocolates.

Newfoundland Trip

Darrin had to go to Newfoundland on business last month, so I tagged
along. After dropping the boys off with Grandma and Poppy Hodder,
we boarded the Ferry. It was a great get away. We enjoyed the Ferry ride,
and drove across the province to St. John's, stopping overnight in Corner
Brook. While Darrin headed to his meetings, I had fun exploring all that
St. John's has to offer. And what a wonderful little city. Unfortunately,
I forgot my camera battery charger, so the only photos I have are from
the first day of the trip. It was such a good trip. We had so much fun!!!

Here's Darrin, hamming it up for the camera...

The landscape was beautiful! What a great time of the year for a road trip.
Actually, a lot of the scenery reminded us of the Arctic- it felt a lot like driving
up the Dempster Highway...except that the road was paved! We didn't see any
moose- unless you count the one strapped to the back of buddy's truck.

Fortress of Louisburg, Cape Breton, NS

The boys had such a good time exploring the Fortress. It is usually
closed at this time of the year and just happened to be open to
accomodate two bus tours. So we kind of had the place to ourselves.
We got to chat a lot with the french soldiers. They told us all about
the era of the Fort.

This soldier was explaining life as a soldier at the Fort, in the 1700's.
He also explained and demonstrated the firing of his musket. There
were some women soldiers too, of course, there would never have been
women soldiers then, but today, they can ever gain training to fire the
muskets and cannons and do the blacksmithing demonstations- go girls!
I picked up the musket-it weighs about 40lbs! Heavier then a 5 year old!

This man was so wonderful, we asked if Loudon could touch the musket.
Loudon was very interested. When we asked if we could take a picture,
he through his hat, actually a trefoil (I think) on Loudon's head.
What a great photo!

Forgotten pics from Thanksgiving...

Photos from our day at the Giant Pumpking Weighing in PEI. We have been going here every fall since moving here. The boys love playing in the hay.
This is Loudon getting grandma into the action.Good shot Grandma!

Brennus tries his best and of course, Darrin/Daddy is in the middle of it all!

Pumpkin boys!

Loudon counting the pumkins. There were 28 I think!

The biggest pumpkin was just shy of a world record- so close!